"If a player can succeed in certain situations, more often than the starters, then the team will begin to rely on that players in those situations," said Mayumi. "Things like bunting and stealing bases can help increase playing opportunities and I think they can also lead to a starting position. ... In order to succeed in tough situations, it'll be important to practice a lot."

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Shunsuke Fujikawa is in the process of improving his running style. To that end, Fujikawa has been spending time studying footage of players running (his own and others) with the training coach for hints on what he can do to increase his speed.

Club president Nobuo Minami has basically left Shoji Numasawa (Tigers' GM) in charge of negotiating extensions with players that have FA options. But it seems Minami may step in whenever players express a possible desire to exercise their options.